Robby Thompson spent his entire career as one of the best second basemen in the National League, although it rarely felt that way nationally. He came up in an era ruled by Ryne Sandberg, whose star power and awards often eclipsed the quieter excellence happening in San Francisco. Giants fans saw it clearly, though: Thompson was the glue of the infield, a player who handled tough hops, worked deep counts, and found ways to help the team win even when attention went elsewhere.

He earned two All-Star selections, a Gold Glove, and a Silver Slugger, and in 1991 he hit for the cycle. By the time he retired, he held most of the franchise records for second basemen, from games played to home runs. His 1993 season, when he got on base at a .375 clip while anchoring the top of the order, showed how much value he provided beyond the box scores.

After his playing days, Thompson stayed in the game as a respected coach. He worked as a first-base and infield coach for the Giants and later joined the Mariners’ staff, eventually serving as Seattle’s interim manager for part of 2013. Players spoke highly of his attention to detail and his ability to make fundamentals feel simple.

Robby Thompson spent a decade overshadowed by a legend, but he left behind a legacy of his own: toughness, consistency, and the kind of baseball intelligence that keeps teams steady for years at a time.

I’m a big fan of the 1964 Stand-ups inserts in the new 2025 Topps Archives set, so I’ve been waiting for the prices to come down so I can build a set.

I noticed that people are paying upwards of $40 for these cards, probably because sellers are describing these as rare cards. Someone even paid $99 for a base card…

In reality, they’ve got a 1:8 and 1:10 insertion rate for the base versions, which is pretty common.

So don’t pay too much for these cards thinking they’re case hits or the like.

I’m building a new free app for collectors that makes it easier to actually understand card prices—not just look at comps. You’ll be able to:

• Instantly search for cards with fast, flexible filters

• See real market data, including true Fair Market Value

• Use simple data visualizations to understand what a card is really worth

• Automatically find eBay listings priced below market value

• Compare graded vs raw values to help decide if grading is worth it

If you want early access and are down to give feedback, comment below or send me a DM! I’m looking for a small group of collectors, buyers, and sellers to help shape the app, especially if you have experience buying/selling on eBay.

The private beta should be ready in a couple weeks!

Darren Daulton did not arrive as a finished product. He was a late bloomer, a minor league catcher who fought his way through injuries, doubts, and position changes before finally locking down a job with the Phillies in his late 20s. What followed turned him into one of the emotional leaders of one of baseball’s most unforgettable teams.

As captain of the 1993 Phillies, Daulton became the heartbeat of a club that played loud, reckless, and fearless. His raw power from the catcher position helped redefine what teams expected offensively from behind the plate. That season, he hit 24 home runs and drove the team through a pennant run that still lives in Philadelphia sports folklore.

Later in life, Daulton battled brain cancer and spoke openly about his fight, becoming a source of strength for fans well beyond baseball. His story became about more than wins and losses. It became about grit, vulnerability, and courage.

Darren Daulton is remembered not just for October heroics, but for the way he represented toughness, honesty, and the soul of a team.

Cliff Floyd was supposed to be a star before he ever reached the majors. Drafted 14th overall by the Expos in 1991, he debuted in the big leagues at just 20 years old, carrying enormous expectations and a powerful switch-hitting swing. His career never followed a straight line, but when healthy, few hitters were more dangerous.

Floyd won a World Series with the 1997 Marlins, then later became a central bat for the Mets during their early-2000s revival. In 2000, he hit .300 with a .411 on-base percentage and a .541 slugging, helping drive New York to the World Series. Over 17 seasons with six teams, he finished with 233 home runs, a .278 average, and a reputation as one of the most professional middle-order hitters of his era.